One million trees later: How employee choices are driving global impact

At Benifex, we believe employee benefits should go beyond support – they should create lasting impact. That’s exactly why we launched Trees with Benefits with our partner Furthr in July 2022; an initiative with a bold goal: to plant one million trees in three years. Thanks to our eco-system of customers, their employees, and our colleagues, we’ve hit that milestone!

So, how does it work? Every time an employee selects an eligible benefit in the Benifex platform, we plant a tree on their behalf. This one small action becomes part of something extraordinary – as one tree becomes one million, we restore vital forests around the world.

This isn’t just a tick box exercise. It’s about making sustainability part of the everyday experience – something real and meaningful that people can feel proud to be a part of.

But numbers only tell part of the story. In June, I travelled to Madagascar to meet the team at Furthr and see first-hand how the reforestation projects we support are making a difference – to the environment and to the local communities they serve.

A glimpse into my time in Madagascar

Our journey started in Mahajanga, on the northwest coast of Madagascar, where we met our local partners and the community members behind the planting sites. We were welcomed with incredible warmth and shown around a local reserve, home to rescued lemurs, ancient baobab trees, and native plants.

From there, the real adventure began. We set off by boat to the mangrove site. Once we arrived, we rolled up our sleeves and joined the local team to plant new seedlings (propagules). It was a long way from working at my desk back home, but a powerful reminder that every benefit choice really does put another tree in the ground.

What made the biggest impact was meeting the people who make this work possible. We spent time in the local village, talking (with help from our translator!) to families whose livelihoods now depend on reforestation. We heard how this work is creating secure jobs, supporting their families, and giving communities a reason to protect the precious ecosystems they call home.

That evening, we walked through the village and spoke with local fishermen, who now catch more fish thanks to the biodiversity boost from the mangrove reforestation. We stayed in rustic accommodation with no electricity, which made the evenings even more special.

We also explored the dry forests where our trees are helping to bring life back to an area rich in lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs – the sort of biodiversity that makes Madagascar unlike anywhere else.

Seeing these ecosystems come back to life, and knowing Benifex and our customers played a part, was truly humbling.

Trees with Benefits is about connecting people and purpose. It gives employers a meaningful way to show their sustainability commitments in action, and gives employees a chance to see how their choices add up to real change. By weaving sustainability into the everyday benefits experience, we’re helping organizations strengthen their ESG goals, engage their people in a shared mission, and build a culture that cares for both people and planet.

What’s next for Trees with Benefits?

Reaching one million trees is just the beginning. We’ll keep planting a tree for every eligible Marketplace benefit selected – with a continued focus on our Madagascar sites, where the need and the impact are greatest. This initiative is creating new opportunities, restoring ecosystems, and supporting communities for years to come.

To everyone who’s chosen a benefit through Benifex – thank you. You’ve helped grow forests, restore habitats, provide jobs and create hope for communities thousands of miles away. Together, we’re proving that the workplace can be a force for good — and that when we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.

Here’s to the next million trees — and the millions after that!